This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Chevrolet Malibu powertrain problems
moderate 98 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
98
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
1fire
What stands out
Owners have filed 98 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu powertrain system shows patterns of early and recurring failure across multiple components. Most critical is the 6-speed automatic transmission wave plate, which fractures at mileage as low as 8,000 to 104,000 miles, causing sudden loss of gear engagement, uncontrollable RPM spikes, and complete loss of power. Owners report being stranded at highway speeds with no reverse capability, creating dangerous traffic situations. Repairs require full transmission replacement at $2,500–$4,000+; GM's Special Coverage Adjustment #14404B for 2008–2009 models covers only certain transmission codes, leaving identical failures uncovered due to VIN exclusions or missed notification letters.
Shift cable assemblies fail repeatedly—even after recall repair under Campaign 09V073000, replacement cables last only the 12-month warranty period. Owners experience vehicles creeping forward in Park, inability to shift gears, and keys stuck in the ignition. Park disengagement failures cause unattended vehicles to roll away down hills. A young child was able to bypass the shift lock entirely by using the ACC key position.
Secondary concerns include erratic hard shifting (unresolved by multiple software reloads), sudden loss of acceleration at highway speeds with Engine Power Reduced warnings, and transmission fluid leaks from pan seals at lower mileage. One vehicle caught fire within 20 minutes of leaving the dealership after shift cable recall service. Dealers frequently tell owners that erratic shifting and hesitation are "normal" for this transmission, then deny warranty repairs when diagnostics read normal.
Same Chevrolet Malibu powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Wave Plate Fracture/Failure
Metal clutch wave plate inside the 6-speed automatic transmission fractures, causing loss of gear engagement, erratic shifting, and inability to accelerate or reverse. Owners report sudden loss of power at highway speeds, loud RPM climb with no forward motion, and metal flakes in transmission fluid.
When: Typically 61,000–105,000 miles; some as low as 8,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of forward drive or reverse gear; High RPM with no acceleration; Transmission slips out of gear (feels like neutral); Vehicle stuck in one gear only; Metal debris visible in transmission fluid; Check Engine light illuminates
Codes mentioned: PO716, PO714, PO715, Service Bulletin SB-10057961-2162 (wave plate)
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement typically required. Owners cite costs of $2,500–$4,000+. Some dealers blamed 'normal wear and tear' despite defects in design.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Special Coverage Adjustment #14404B for 2008–2009 Malibus with 6T70/6T75 transmissions (10 years/120,000 miles), but many VINs were excluded or not properly tracked. GM denied coverage to owners whose vehicles had identical symptoms but different transmission codes or VINs not in recall database.
Transmission Shift Cable Failure
Shift cable assembly deteriorates or breaks, preventing proper gear engagement or disengagement. Cable may separate, fray, or adjustment clip may fracture. Vehicle cannot shift into or out of Park, Reverse, or Drive, or gear indicator does not match actual position.
When: Early in ownership (months to 4+ years); some occur shortly after recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle creeps forward while in Park; Gear selector moves but car does not shift; Car stuck in Reverse or unable to engage Reverse; Cannot remove key from ignition; Parking indicator shows wrong gear; Ignition will not turn to OFF
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 09V073000 (shift cable), NHTSA Campaign 78844 (shift cable)
Repairs/costs cited: Cable kit replacement typically covered under recall 09V073000. However, adjustment clip or cable replacement outside recall scope. One owner's temporary fix: twist tie, washer, and rubber cap. Recall repairs reportedly lasted only 12 months per warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 09V073000 issued for shift cable replacement (performed 2009–2010 for many owners). Recall 12V460000 issued for gear position indication. However, GM limited warranty on replacement parts to 12 months and refused re-repair or extension. Some dealers reported recalls closed out despite owner assertion vehicle was never lost/stolen.
Transmission Gear Position Display Mismatch
Instrument cluster display shows vehicle in one gear (e.g., Drive) but transmission is actually in Neutral or a different gear. Vehicle may not start because shift lock thinks car is not in Park. Prevents safe operation and creates safety hazard.
When: Various mileages; some within first few years
Symptoms owners cite: Display shows Drive but car is in Neutral (no power); Display shows Park but ignition cannot turn OFF; Key cannot be removed from ignition; Car will not start despite display showing Park; Mismatch between shifter position and actual gear
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 12V460000 (gear position indication/PRNDL), NHTSA Campaign 94402 (gear position indication)
Repairs/costs cited: Repair involves transmission control module or shift cable diagnosis and repair. One owner reported parts shortage delayed repair until January 2013.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 12V460000 issued for PRNDL (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low) gear position indication failure. However, GM stated recall was not attached to some VINs despite dealer verification of the issue.
Erratic Shifting / Hard Shifts
Transmission shifts harshly, erratically, or with hesitation. RPM spikes to 6,000–7,000 before shifting. Vehicle may jerk, lurch, or refuse to downshift smoothly. Behavior is unpredictable and often not replicable at dealership.
When: Early ownership through higher mileage (months to 100,000+ miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Hard or delayed gear shift; RPM spikes to 6,000–7,000 before shift occurs; Jerking or lurching during acceleration; Hesitation when resuming speed after deceleration; Vehicle stuck in low gear, unable to upshift; Erratic behavior intermittent and not replicable
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers reprogrammed transmission software (sometimes multiple times) with mixed results. One owner reported second software reload provided no improvement. Parts-backward installation by dealer noted in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers told owners erratic shifting is 'normal for this transmission.' GM approved no warranty work when diagnostics read normal. Service bulletins reference shift quality calibration.
Transmission Flex Plate / Torque Converter Failure
Internal transmission components (flex plate or torque converter) fail, preventing engagement of gears or causing transmission to lose power. Vehicle may only move in one or two gears or fail to accelerate beyond 20 MPH.
When: 94,700 miles reported; potentially earlier
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will only move in first and second gear; Reverse gear cannot be engaged; Vehicle will not accelerate beyond 20 MPH; Loss of power while stationary; Check Engine light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required. One dealer quoted $2,500+.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated vehicle was not included in any recall.
Transmission Pan Seal Leakage
Transmission pan seals deteriorate or fail prematurely, causing fluid to leak. Loss of transmission fluid leads to gear slippage and eventual transmission failure.
When: 78,798 miles (at 42,753 miles of ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leak from pan; 3rd gear slip; Loss of transmission power
Repairs/costs cited: Seal replacement ($30) and labor (~$1,086) totaled $1,234. Owner believes defective seals caused premature failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repair was not covered under warranty.
Park Gear Does Not Engage / Vehicle Rolls Away
Park mode fails to hold vehicle securely. Car rolls away while parked on a hill or level ground, or Park position cannot be selected. Emergency brake may be only way to secure vehicle.
When: Early ownership (4,400–60,000 miles); some occur months after recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls down hill while in Park; Vehicle does not stay in Park; Gear shifter cannot fully enter Park position; Vehicle rolls away and strikes barrier/other vehicle
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 09V073000
Repairs/costs cited: Shift lock cable replacement. One dealership performed free replacement due to defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 09V073000 addressed shift cable. However, one dealer stated vehicle would not be covered under recall due to manufacturing location.
Loss of Forward Acceleration / Reduced Engine Power
Vehicle suddenly loses ability to accelerate or maintain speed. Engine power mode engages (Engine Power Reduced warning light), limiting vehicle to 20–40 MPH. Occurs at highway speeds, creating safety hazard.
When: Various mileages (12,000–168,150 miles); some intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration power; Vehicle slows to 20–40 MPH maximum; Engine Power Reduced or Service ESC warning light illuminates; Check Engine light comes on; High RPM with no power increase
Codes mentioned: Metal fragments in throttle body (one case), Service Bulletin references throttle body and accelerator pedal
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement, accelerator pedal replacement, and software updates attempted. One owner required three separate repair attempts (throttle body swap, software reload, new dealer throttle body). Another found metal fragments in throttle body; failure recurred after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers reloaded transmission software or replaced components. Throttle body parts sourced from dealer or independent suppliers.
Child Lock / Park Disengagement Safety Issue
Shift lock safety mechanism can be bypassed by inserting key into ACC (Accessory) mode and pressing shifter button, allowing a child to start engine and disengage Park without pressing brake pedal. Vehicle moves unexpectedly, creating entrapment hazard.
When: 2010 (two incidents with young child in one month)
Symptoms owners cite: Child able to move shifter out of Park without brake pedal; Child able to start engine using ACC key position and shifter button; Vehicle moves unpredictably with child in control; Child dragged across parking lot into cement pole
Repairs/costs cited: Shift lock switch replaced. Problem recurred after replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM stated vehicle is not designed for a two-year-old. GM referred to owner's manual dinghy-towing option but manual states brake must be applied in three other sections.
Transmission Fire / Post-Repair Fire
Vehicle caught fire shortly after transmission shift cable recall repair was completed. Fire occurred on Interstate highway within 20 minutes of leaving dealership.
When: December 15, 2009 (same day as recall service completion)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fire on Interstate; Occurred post-recall repair
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission shift cable kit installed as recall work. Fire cause under investigation by insurance company.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Fuel Pump Module Crack / Fuel Leak
Fuel pump module cracks inside tank, causing fuel leak. Poses fire hazard similar to recalled Cobalt and other models, but Malibu not included in recall.
When: By 2013
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel smell on exterior of vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump module replaced at no charge; dealer cited powertrain warranty coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM recalled 40,000 units of 2007–2009 Cobalt and other vehicles in September 2012 for same defect, but did not include 2009 Malibu in recall.
Service Traction Control / ESC / Body Control Module Failures
Service Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and brake light warnings illuminate. Body Control Module defective. Related to brake light malfunction (brake lights stay on when foot off brake; turn off when foot on brake).
When: 30,000–67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service Traction Control warning light; Service ESC warning light; ESC OFF warning light; Vehicle stalls at idle or highway speeds; Brake lights malfunction (inverse logic); Vehicle loses power in Engine Reduced Power mode
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 14V252000 (electronic stability control, brakes, lighting), NHTSA Campaign 13036 (brake light malfunction)
Repairs/costs cited: Body Control Module replacement required. Dealers estimated partial coverage only; owners declined repair due to cost and refused coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V252000 issued. Recall 13036 issued for brake light malfunction. However, dealers were reluctant to repair engine stalling issues covered under same campaign.
Synthesized from 98 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2009 Chevrolet Malibu?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 98 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 80 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 60,000 and 114,000 miles, with the median around 86,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 114,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Chevrolet/Malibu.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.